We have arrived at that time of the year again. It’s time for me to reflect back over the past year, and recount the good and bad things that impacted 2008, as well as memorable shows, CD’s, songs and photographic images from the local and regional music scene. As always, these ramblings are my own viewpoints, and do not reflect the views and opinions of Rockpage, Rocky 104.9, Pennsylvania Musician Magazine or anybody else with a working brain. Your mileage may vary. Without further ado, let’s take one more sojourn through 2008 on the area music scene:
JP’s HIGHLIGHTS/LOWLIGHTS OF 2008
LOWLIGHT: FAREWELL TO VICTORY LANE SALOON, URIAH’S PUB: During the past year, the Altoona area lost two venues that hosted live music. After bricks fell from the side of the Victory Lane Saloon in January, the building was demolished within weeks. (Former Victory Lane Saloon manager Wayne Weierick then died in February after an accidental fall in Altoona.) And fire destroyed Uriah’s Pub in November.
LOWLIGHT/HIGHLIGHT: MY EMPLOYMENT SITUATION: In a September development that still has many people shocked and perplexed, I was let go by my former broadcast employer after over 14 years of service, with budget problems cited as the apparent reason. It didn’t take long for a light on the horizon to appear, though, as within days, Tommy Edwards and Rocky 104.9 stepped forward and offered a new radio home to yours truly and my “Backyard Rocker” local music program, which took on a new life as the “Homegrown Rocker.” And as 2008 drew to a close, I accepted an offer to become an adjunct instructor at Penn State Altoona, and will start teaching a communications course two nights a week in January. Things are looking up!
LOWLIGHT: THE ECONOMY: No-brainer here, but the economic situation impacts everything. People fearing for their jobs, livelihoods and future income are spending less overall, and cutting back their spending on things that aren’t necessary – including going out to see bands on weekends! Compounded with the state-imposed smoking ban on venues, the bad economy impacted attendances in the later part of this past year, and threaten to continue to stunt crowds in 2009 as well. Hopefully the situation will improve during this coming year, but I have a bad feeling that some live music venues either won’t survive to see any such improvement, or will be forced to discontinue running bands due to economic woes.
HIGHLIGHT: ALTOONA SUMMER CONCERTS: Altoona again saw a number of noteworthy concerts during 2008; with several major names visiting the Railroaders Museum. Foreigner, The Clarks and Loverboy all paid visits to the Museum’s flatcar stage this year, along with Bruce Springsteen tribute The B Street Band and Canadian Aerosmith tribute Aeroforce, “The Buffett Man” Tom Watt, and a five-band local battle of the bands in August to determine the opening act for Loverboy in September. Mannheim Steamroller visited Altoona’s Jaffa Shrine in December, while Dirty Looks appeared at 30 Something in November. DelGrosso’s Amusement Park again saw several major country names, including the annual visit of Ronnie McDowell at Harvestfest in September. The Summer Sounds of Jazz concert series lit up downtown Altoona’s Curtin Mall on summer Friday nights with such acts as New Jersey’s Blue Number Nine and South Saturn Delta, Cincinnati’s Ian Ross Trio, State College’s Holy Smoke Blues and Tommy Wareham & the Intrigues, and Altoona’s Randy Jackson Jazz Band.
LOWLIGHT/HIGHLIGHT: THE SMOKING BAN: Lowlight for smokers, highlight for non-smokers; as the state imposed its ban on smoking in restaurants and nightspots in September. Although I’m a non-smoker and won’t miss the smell of cigarette smoke in my clothes after a night’s band-watching, I think the ban is flawed with its current loopholes that allow some venues to permit smoking and others not. It should either be a total ban or none at all. And I also agree with the train of thought that Big Brother shouldn’t be telling restaurant and tavern owners how to run their businesses. And although it’s still tough to determine the ban’s effect on live music given that not all venues are covered, it seems so far that it has negatively impacted attendance at shows; I haven’t yet seen any significant increase in non-smoker attendance at venues that imposed the ban.
LOWLIGHT/HIGHLIGHT: THE ROAR IN THE MOUNTAINS FIASCO: When Altoona’s Jaffa Shrine announced early this year that it was kicking the Roar In The Mountains motorcycle rally off its grounds and starting its own rally, it sparked a nasty controversy and a war of words between representatives from both sides. But for Roar, it actually may have turned into a blessing in disguise, as the event saw its biggest attendance so far at its new location, Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park. The jury is still out on whether Roar will be back in this location in 2009; here’s hoping that this event can continue to grow in a stable, secure location.
HIGHLIGHT: AN EMERGENCY SCENE ALL-AGES SHOWS: This was the year I finally discovered the all-ages show scene regularly happening at Jaggard United Methodist Church. I saw three of these shows during the past year, and witnessed strong attendance during all three. I observed lots of young fans eagerly cheering various bands at the front of the stage, often singing back lyrics to them and visiting their merchandise tables afterward. And I also saw the bands, some nationally-signed, eagerly meeting, greeting, networking and posing for pictures with their fans. I discovered several very impressive groups during these shows, too; including national names such as Valencia, Sing It Loud and Cash Cash, along with local and regional favorites like Like A Movie, Punchline and more. This is a very healthy scene that gives young fans the opportunity to see live bands and develop a taste for live music. It also gives kids something positive to become involved with, which of course is an effective weapon against the temptations of drugs and crime on the streets. Hats off to organizer Ryan Wapner, Gary Leighty on sound and everyone else involved in making these shows happen. I plan on seeing more of them in 2009!
JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE MOMENTS OF 2008:
Next, I'll list my ten favorite shows and moments on the area/regional music scene during the past year. With the exception of one show, these are in no particular order.
1) JP ROCKATHON AT 30 SOMETHING: Duh. This easily has to rank as one of the greatest days of my life, at least whatever the abundance of Jager shots allowed me to remember of it! I will remember the friends, fans, camaraderie, music and support! The performances from Slacker Theory, Lies Inc., Bad Daze, Vs. the Earth, Felix & the Hurricanes and Halestorm all smoked! And the Steelers won…How can life ever be better? And it was also on this day that the wheels started rolling towards my new job situation at Penn State Altoona! So at the expense of sounding like a broken record, once again THANKS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU WHO ORGANIZED, PERFORMED OR ATTENDED THIS SHOW AND SHOWED YOUR SUPPORT! It means the world to me, and I will never forget it!
2) THE CHI AT CASTLE PUB; DAVE D’S ONE-ARMED STAND: One of the first shows I saw in 2008 presented an unexpected and unforgettable scene. Suffering from apparent carpal tunnel issues that rendered his left hand useless, drummer/singer “Dave D” Distefano worked his kit the whole night using just his right hand. Dave and The Chi kept it on track and sounded good through most all of it. Guitarist/singer John Charney almost got impaled, though, when Dave’s stick got loose during The Chi’s rendition of Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades.” One of the first memorable shows of 2008!
3) CHRIS V. & THE STANLEY STREET BAND AT AL’S TAVERN; CHRIS V STRIKES BACK: In January, group namesake Chris V was in the local news headlines, arrested and accused of theft by deception and receiving stolen property. Chris quickly decried the charges and maintained his innocence. The arrest happened two days before the weekly Stanley Street Band show at Al’s Tavern; on this night, Chris came out with verbal guns a-blazing, in a coy and witty collection of monologues and one-liners that would have made Leno and Letterman proud. Without naming his accuser, Chris lobbed verbal vollies at the plaintiff and city police, while incorporating original songs like “Media Controls the World” and “Freedom” into the theme of the night. The whole night reminded me of the John Belushi (Bluto) pre-homecoming speech scene in the movie Animal House; by the latter part of the night, the crowd was cheering Chris V. on as he gained momentum to stage his defense against the charges. Chris was cleared of all charges later in the year; this night served as a launching pad in his quest to clear his name.
4) THE JEFF WALLACK TRIBUTE CONCERT: The fourth annual Jeff Wallack Tribute Concert was again one of the most memorable nights of the year on Altoona stages. A number of Altoona area bands, musicians, friends and fans celebrated the memory of friend and guitarist Jeff Wallack and raise money for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Kitchen. This year's show featured performances from The Flame Sky, Felix & the Hurricanes and Half Tempted; each featuring guest performers as they celebrated the music that Jeff Wallack used to play and enjoy. The pinnacle was a special collaboration called Iron Sausage, which did some of Jeff’s favorite songs; the biggest highlight was when Ron Dalansky, Joe George, Steve Oswalt, Clint Carothers, Phil Steele and Todd Lane performed an inspired version of Jeff's favorite song, Kansas' "Hold On."
5) THE BENEFIT FOR CHANCE: In late March, six bands and a large contingent of supportive friends and fans crammed into The Cantina in Altoona to raise monies to help out Chance Dull, an 8-year-old Bedford County youngster stricken with a rare form of liver cancer. The Benefit for Chance was a special night that rode an upbeat vibe from start to end, as The Marauders, Dragon Fire, The Embalmed, Dick Shack Posse, Sever and FedUP played rousing sets, and helped raise over $1,200.
6) SPRING BLUESFEST AT GLENN’S PLACE: In March, Glenn’s Place hosted the Spring Rock and Blues Fest, organized to keep the blues alive in our neck of the woods following the closure of Burgi’s Roundhouse the previous fall. This was a fun night of great music and instrumental fireworks, as Felix & the Hurricanes and Norman Nardini tore it up onstage. Felix joined in with Norman and his band during their set, and it was a party! Wintry weather in northwest PA prevented a third performer, Erie’s Ron Yarosz, from being a part of the festivities; but it was still a great and memorable night!
7) TONY JANFLONE, JR. “THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR” BENEFIT AT RHYTHM HOUSE: Also in March, a special benefit show was held at the Rhythm House Café in Bridgeville near Pittsburgh, to raise money to help out renowned Pittsburgh guitarist Tony Janflone Jr., who had incurred medical expenses from car accident injuries and an emergency appendectomy the previous summer. The “That’s What Friends Are For” benefit raised several thousand dollars to help Tony, as a number of his musical friends and peers from the ‘Burgh – including Rob James of The Clarks, B.E. Taylor, Rick Witkowski, Donnie Iris, Frankie Capri, The Skip Peck Band, Billy Price, D.C. Tanner and Tony’s father, Tony Janflone Sr. – took the stage to rock the house. Highlights this night were numerous, including many of these musicians performing together as the Pittsburgh All Stars, and show beneficiary Tony Jr. playing alongside his father, Tony Sr. This was a great and fun night, and well worth the two-hour roadtrip from Altoona to check out.
8) ROAR IN THE MOUNTAINS BARBECUE AND BASH: This whole day was a blast! Part of the third annual Roar In the Mountains motorcycle rally in its new location at Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park, this Saturday was filled with rumbling motorcycles and thundering music from the stage, as a day-long procession of bands performed during the Backyard BBQ and the Biker Bash. Hempfield High, Square One, Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band, The Red Arrow, Way Down East, Lies Inc., Blakkjak, The Clover and The Marauders kept the music continuous, and former FedUP bassman Don Singer tied the knot in a special biker wedding as well! Warm, sunny weather prevailed throughout the day, and it was fun all around. Here’s hoping Roar gets to do it again in 2009!
9) WARREN DANE MARATHON AT THE HITCHING POST: In mid-June, what first appeared to be a routine Wednesday night “Country Night” visit by Kulpmont’s Warren Dane turned into a fun, marathon party that only ended because the clock on the wall struck 2 AM! Bronchitis and laryngitis couldn’t stop Warren as he played country, rock’n’roll and novelty favorites for well over five hours this night; only taking brief breaks to allow cameo appearances from his pal Steve Yetzko and guest guitarist Darren. The music was constant and the laughs were continuous; I had Warren’s improvised lines of “T*ts in the ditch/You sonuvabitch” resounding through my head for weeks afterward!
10) SO-FAR FESTIVAL AT PENN STATE ALTOONA: In November, Harold “Harlo” Taddy and Heavy Radio presented the third installment of the So-Far Festival, a two-day showcase of local and regional musical talent in the Slep Center at Penn State Altoona. The first day focused on mostly acoustic acts, while the second day featured electric bands. Both days delivered a wide and eclectic assortment of performers. First day highlights included Roger Burgan, Brian Cupples, Kevin Gallopin, Drums of West Africa, Steam City Riders and Major Malfunction. \So Far’s second day highlights included The Battle, The Defining Hour, Union, Clarity, The Flame Sky and Heavy Radio; and I missed sets from The Pax Cecilia, Seas We Fear to Sail and Acalasia! The wide variety of sounds kept this interesting through both days, and I was glad I attended. Watch for another installment of So-Far to happen in April at Penn State Altoona!
JP'S FIVE FAVORITE NATIONAL SHOWS OF 2008:
Since I actually got to see five national-caliber shows in 2008, I’m adding this listing to my annual recap. Again, these are in no particular order.
1) BILL EVANS’ SOULGRASS AT JUNIATA COLLEGE: Thanks to Bill “Hawk” Hocherl for coaxing me to come check this show out! This provided me a unique opportunity to witness jazz and funk leanings colliding head-on with bluegrass and rural styles and sounds. Namesake Bill Evans played saxophone and keys; accompanied by Sam Bush on mandolin, Ryan Cavanaugh on banjo, Christian Howes on violin, Richard Bona on bass, and Joel Rosenblatt on drums. Over the course of the two-hour, two-set performance, elements of jazz, funk and bluegrass were brought together by this cast of musicians for an incredible performance. These players were at the top of their game on their respective instruments, and their total and constant musicianship was amazing. There was not a dull moment during the entire show; just as you would focus on one musician’s performance, another would divert your attention. But everything these musicians did served the plot of the composition they were doing, whether executing the primary melody or bridging or providing transitions between song elements; not a note or beat was wasted! I simply sat in awe over this two hours…incredible show!
2) METAL MASTERS TOUR AT POST-GAZETTE PAVILION: This concert had been on my calendar for months. The night itself was unforgettable! My entourage and I arrived too late to catch Testament’s set, but entered Post Gazette Pavilion in time to see much of Motorhead. Then my stroke of luck happened, when Phil Claar handed me a pit ticket which put me four rows from the front of the stage! Witnessing Ronnie Dio and members of Black Sabbath as Heaven and Hell, followed by The Beast that is Judas Priest – from this close to the stage – was a surreal and incredible experience! I was riding so high on cloud 9 by the time this concert had ended that I wasn’t even all that upset when I discovered after the show that some scumbag broke into our vehicle during the concert and ripped our valuables (including my backup digital camera).
3) FOREIGNER AT RAILROADERS MUSEUM: The pinnacle of this past summer’s Alive @ Five Summer Concert Series was Foreigner’s visit to Altoona’s Railroaders Museum flatbed railcar stage. After Half Tempted opened the night, the current edition of Foreigner – featuring founding guitarist Mick Jones, along with an all-star cast including former Hurricane singer Kelly Hansen, son of Bonzo Jason Bonham on drums and former Dokken bassist Jeff Pilson – rocked the town with all of their big hits. Foreigner sounded strong on all of it; and with news several days later that Jason Bonham was leaving the group to collaborate on songwriting with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, this show was even more special!
4) PITTSBURGH BLUES FESTIVAL: After several years of wanting to check it out, the planets and schedules aligned correctly this year, and I finally got to take in my first Pittsburgh Blues Festival. Although I didn’t get to stay for all of it, the Sunday slate of the Festival enabled me another opportunity to enjoy Southern Culture On The Skids, as well as Pittsburgh blues favorites The Pawnbrokers, and Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk. SCOTS was excellent and fun as always, and I got a picture taken with bassist Mary Huff afterward! It all helped out a good cause, the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Hopefully I’ll make a return to this event in 2009!
5) RONNIE McDOWELL AT DELGROSSO’S PARK’S “HARVESTFEST:” Although Ronnie McDowell had entertained at DelGrosso’s Amusement Park’s Harvestfest for eleven consecutive years, my lack of interest in the country music arts until the past few years dissuaded me from seeing this legend until this year. I discovered what I had been missing, as well as why this artist has become a Harvestfest favorite. Ronnie and his band weren’t just talented musicians, but were excellent entertainers with a genuine appreciation of their audience. Over the course of this day’s two performances, I was impressed with Ronnie and his band’s musical versatility as they shifted between country, honky-tonk, rock’n’roll, soul and more. And I could only applaud Ronnie as he stepped out into the crowd and made the DelGrosso’s Park audience an integral part of the show; celebrating veterans in the audience, celebrating long-married couples and newlyweds, having fun with children, and even singing Elvis’ “How Great Thou Art” in tribute to a Coupon church that burned down just days before. I came away from DelGrosso’s Park this day with a newfound appreciation of Ronnie McDowell, and understood why he has become a favorite each year at Harvestfest.
JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL/REGIONAL CD'S OF 2008:
Once again, 2008 saw its share of excellent recordings emerge from the area music scene. I tried to hear as many local/regional albums as I could over the past year. These are the ten that stood out most for me; again, in no particular order:
1) THE LAMPSHADES – THE LAMPSHADES ARE ALRIGHT After introducing a blend of simple pop melodies with garage punk on their first two CD’s, The Lampshades upped the ante on their third disc, The Lampshades Are Alright. The group’s newest member and producer, Dane Adelman, experimented with arrangements and production styles rooted in the Brian Wilson Pet Sounds and George Martin Revolver/Sgt. Pepper traditions. Those experiments resulted in simple pop/punk songs fleshed out with various instrumentation and wall-of-sound effects; mixed with a touch of Nirvana-styled detached punk/acid burn. Many of the songs themselves were catchy and quarky, and stuck in the brain after first listen. The Lampshades offered a style and sound that stuck out from the rest of the musical landscape on The Lampshades Are Alright, one of the freshest-sounding albums to emerge from the area music scene this year.
2) THUNDERBOX – CONCRETE AND GASOLINE Philipsburg’s John Cimino further exposed his knack for catchy song hooks on Concrete and Gasoline, the second CD from his studio project Thunderbox. John crammed this album with seventeen examples of catchy, hook-laden ear candy; and much of it rocked, with hints of Matthew Sweet, Goo Goo Dolls and Foo Fighters-flavored power pop/rock, and even retro reminders of ELO-like Brit pop and Beatles psychedelia! John kept it all interesting and unique, with no two tunes sounding the same, and production that implemented a mixture of electric and acoustic arrangements, layered vocals and harmonies and more. Concrete and Gasoline is a bright, infectious and crisp-sounding set that stands out as one of the best CD’s I heard from the area this past year.
3) ZUPE & NICHOLS – SPEECHLESS Since this CD was released so late in 2007, I’m including it in the 2008 crop of local and regional releases. On their all-instrumental album Speechless, Altoona-based digital one-man band, entertainer and composer Zupe and Somerset-based guitar vet Dave Nichols matched musical wits on well-crafted compositions that blended funk, rock, jazz and blues flavors. Many flavors came to play here, including robust R&B on the frisky opener “Step On It,” swing-styled boogie on “Dear Deke,” a bold, brassy Big-Easy-styled blues-jazz flavor on “Rib Joint,” adventurous outback-tinged funk on “A Dash of Dementia,” reggae-meets-blues overtones on “Captain & Coke” and more. Other tracks recalled Steely Dan jazz rock and some of Jeff Beck’s and Jan Hammer’s jazz-rock experiments from the 70’s. The performances from Zupe, Nichols and a number of guests are clean and tasteful, and the mixes are bright and balanced. Zupe & Nichols hit a clear-cut home run with Speechless, a tasty masterpiece of top-notch musicianship that earned the pair consideration for Grammy nominations late in the year.
4) NATE MYERS & THE ACES – PERSIST One of the best blues-geared releases to originate from the Keystone state in 2008, Persist used the blues as a launching pad to explore a variety of musical terrain. Namesake Nate Myers’ passionately soulful baritone voice and greasy harmonica wail glued this diverse, blues-based variety into a flowing, cohesive set. Highlights included the feisty delta blues-meets-rap album opener “Jager & Waffles,” the funky “Put It Where She Told Me” with its slight double-entendre playfulness, the smoldering electric blues of “When Are You Coming Home,” the J. Geils-flavored blues-rock of “Just Wait,” the hopeful “Beauty All Around” with its gospel-styled choral homestretch, and the reverent album-closing blues/march homage to a fallen friend and veteran, “Buck’s Blues.” Nate Myers & the Aces’ sounded proficient on all of it, and Persist is a vibrant, fun album.
5) THE CLOVER – 13 STEPS Happy Valley fivesome The Clover delivered a fist-pounding, beer stein-lifting good time on their raucous debut CD, 13 Steps. The Clover celebrated hard rocking, hard drinking and blue-collar living over the album’s thirteen tracks. They offered a new St. Patty’s day favorites with the driving anthem “Kiss Me I’m Irish Today;” offered irresistible new fast-firing drinking odes with “Drink This Problem Away,” “It’s Time for Work (And I’m Still Drunk),” “One Part Whiskey” and the one-minute beer jingle blast “Old German.” The Clover also mixed in a few folk- and rural-rooted numbers, in the process crafting their own niche of folk- and Irish-infused punk. One of the most fun albums to emerge from the area music scene in 2008, 13 Steps is a drinking party soundtrack waiting to happen!
6) SPIRIT LOST – THE NEW BEGINNING Local rockers Spirit Lost delivered a strong and cohesive concept album with their first full-length disc, The New Beginning. Offering a soundtrack to an introspective journey from loneliness to self-realization, Spirit Lost explored the middle ground between hard modern and progressive rock over ten tracks. The songs are strong and varied, from dark and progressive-leaning numbers like “Misery of a Wounded Heart” and “Lost Soul” to agitated rockers like “Alone,” “Soul Seeker” and “Mistrust.” The group’s instrumental execution is powerful, and frontman Austin Tepsic’s dramatic singing style sells the emotional themes of each song. . Spirit Lost’s varied mixture of styles and cohesive story line made The New Beginning an intriguing listen, and an impressive debut.
7) 61 SOUTH – 61 SOUTH Another strong blues-rock contender from the state’s music scene this past year was the self-titled debut by 61 South. Steel guitarist/singer Sterling Koch’s new blues band trio formed from the ashes of the Victory In Heaven Band, 61 South established strong and muscular steel guitar-flavored blues; offering smoking updates of gospel and gospel-blues standards such as Wilbert Harrison's "Let's Work Together," the potent read of Rev. Gary Davis' "12 Gates to the City," the Bobby "Blue" Bland-popularized "Further On Up the Road," and a reverent edition of Albert King's "Everybody Wants to Go to Heaven." Sterling, daughter Kate Koch on bass and drummer John Goba also delivered feisty original blues rockers like the Chicago-styled "Kiss the Blues Goodbye," the delta-tinged "Made It So," the rumbling blues-rocker "Blues Have Got to Go" and the romping album-closing declaration "Bluesman for Life." Sterling’s soulful voice and steel guitar sound sharp throughout, and 61 South provides a proud, upbeat vibe from start to end.
8) THE MARAUDERS – DIAL M FOR MARAUDER The Marauders again honed their brand of boisterous, punk-fueled rock and rockabilly on Dial M for Marauder, combining five exciting new songs with rowdy updates of eight previously-recorded favorites. The Marauders introduced new favorites such as the Bo Diddley-informed album opener “Juvenile Frustration, “10 Year Drifter,” the driving “She Took a Shot,” and “On the Radio.” The group also offered crisper, tighter updates of “Road Rat,” “Dead of Night,” “Last Laugh” and “Lonely Road,” “Oh My My,” “Late Night Livin’”and more; plus a slight reworking of their Brian Setzer-penned title song, “We Are The Marauders.” Their first CD for Pittsburgh blues/roots indie label Bonedog Records, Dial M For Marauder provided an updated calling card for what The Marauders are all about.
9) ROADKILL – THE WRECKONING The long-awaited new album from veteran Clearfield power trio Roadkill, The Wreckoning did not disappoint. The group again delivered premium “rot and roll,” offering their trademark hard-rocking fire and wit through such numbers as the rampaging album-opener "Smooch My Booty!,” the new Valentine’s Day diss "Public Service Announcement from the Anti-Valentine's Day Council," and their rural-flavored dig at washed-up rockers donning cowboy hats, "Ode to the Failed Wannabe Rockstars Who Now Wannabe Country Stars." But Roadkill threw a new twist into the mix, offering a contemplative and reflective side with the solemn and reverent "A Prayer Before My Imminent Afterlife," and the imaginative hard-rocking epitaph to a departed canine companion, "The Remaining Days of Zeddska the Elder Canine." Outspoken frontman/bassist Greg Majewsky delivered his trademark fire-and-brimstone wit and vinegar, and the group’s instrumental fireworks were their tightest and most confident. The Wreckoning retained Roadkill’s hard-rocking, humorous edge, but also displayed a new maturity with its serious tones.
10) THE EMBALMED – THE EMBALMED The Embalmed marked their full return with their triumphant self-titled CD, released late in the year. It was maximum “Hell Up” as roaring, bone-crushing malevolent metal stormed loud and proud over the disc’s ten tracks. But The Embalmed informed their terse brand of metal with style, groove, detail and a touch of dimestore demonism; highlighted by the group’s live showstoppers like “Toetags and Bodybags” and the catchy “Heartworm,” as well as crushers like “Crucifixation,” “Morgueasm,” “Compelled by Hoof and Horn” and “Excommunicated.” Chad and Jason Straw’s distinct styles of “vokills” threw variation and personality into the mix, and the instrumental performances are constantly thundering and brutal. The Embalmed not only provided one of the heaviest albums out of Pennsylvania in 2008, their self-titled debut strongly defined this group’s unique musical voice and niche.
Honorable mentions go to CD's from Head Case, JustMegan, Suicide Switch, The Big Dirty, Xhibition, The Jellybricks, Ryan Matthew, Jeremy dePrisco, Punchline, Appalachian Translator
JP'S TEN FAVORITE LOCAL/REGIONAL SONGS OF 2008:
The area music scene again produced a number of memorable songs during 2008. These are ten noteworthy local/regional songs that grabbed my attention the most in the past year; once again in no particular order:
1) CHRIS V. & THE STANLEY STREET BAND – "Media Controls the World" One of the first songs to announce the arrival of Chris Vipond’s current band project, Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band, “Media Controls the World” examines the complexity and conspiracy of media and media manipulation, by governments, corporations and power moguls. The first recorded version of this song (submitted to the “Backyard Rocker”) was acoustic-geared and stripped-down; a second electric version was recorded later in the year. This latter version was especially powerful, utilizing electric guitar riffs, reverb and vocal effects to emphasize the contemporary, current-day urgency of the lyrics; as Chris asks what’s really in your paper, on your TV or radio, and who is really behind the messages we’re hearing. The first of several socially conscious anthems this group would create in 2008, “Media Controls the World” presents a strong argument in favor of declaring Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band this area’s most dangerous band; they have some things to say!
2) ROADKILL – "Public Service Announcement from the Anti-Valentine’s Day Council" Leave it to Clearfield power trio Roadkill to come up with the ultimate anti-Valentine’s Day anthem! Roadkill bassist and mouthpiece Greg Majewsky declares “love” as the ultimate four-letter word, and not in a good way on this fast-paced, action-packed ode to having one's heart ripped out, kicked around and "tossed aside like a bag of moldy tangerines." The song’s infectious shout-along chants of "Love left me for dead" should have most everyone shouting along before the song’s hilarious bar scene ending. This tune is the latest in a career of excellent and witty Roadkill anthems, and perhaps one of their best.
3) THE CLOVER – "Drink This Problem Away" One of several great drinking anthems off The Clover’s 13 Steps debut, “Drink This Problem Away” is raucous and rowdy, folk-infused punk rocking fun. This tune will get beer glasses raised as it rocks along to its shout-along chorus and classic words of “F**k my job, f**k the world/F**k that stupid slut of a girl/I'm going to drink this problem away.” The only drawback to this tune is that I can’t play it on my radio show!
4) LORDS A LEAPING – "Silent Prayer" A vibrant song of hope from Lords a Leaping Volume III, “Silent Prayer” features singer Adam Bell offering words of comfort to lonesome souls during the holiday season. The melody leads to an uplifting, powerful chorus, and builds along to a glorious “Hallalujah” ending. Adam’s lyrical lines of “For the soldier far away from home/Fighting battles that are not his own/Bring a harmony to find his solace there” turned out to be prophetic; he wrote them shortly before he and his Pennsylvania National Guard unit were called to active duty to serve in Iraq.
5) THE LAMPSHADES – "Scotland" One of several infectious numbers off The Lampshades’ third CD, The Lampshades Are Alright, “Scotland” is a simple, hard-rocking ode to a schoolmate and probable love interest disclosing her plans to attend school overseas. Along the way, Dane Adelman flavors this tune with a playful keyboard underscore, before the tune ends with a full wall of psychedelic-flavored digital orchestration. This tune hints at Weezer had they been produced by Brian Wilson or George Martin. As with the entire CD, The Lampshades capture a unique style and mixture on this tune, and it stands apart from the pack.
6) JUSTMEGAN – "This Town" From JustMegan’s second CD, I Get What I Want, “This Town” finds group namesake Megan Carlson singing about the joys and frustrations of living in a small town – in her case, Punxsutawney. She loves her small town, but realizes that there is a big world outside that needs to be conquered, and she can’t do it by continuing to live where she is. I liked the melody and arrangement, the catchy guitar riff, the keyboard accent, the increasing distortion effects along the way, and Megan’s girl-next-door voice and charm that sells her words. Good stuff!
7) ACALASIA – "Barely Breathing" From Acalasia’s three-song EP issued early in 2008, “Barely Breathing” is another showcase for the extraordinary talents of lead singer Krystal Shore. Krystal’s clear and eloquent voice soars along a strong melody that is executed along an ever-changing hard-rocking landscape. This tune is nicely produced as well, with subtle changes along the way that keep it sounding fresh throughout. “Barely Breathing” is just another shining example of what Acalasia brings to the table; I eagerly anticipate this band’s new full-length CD in 2009!
8) NITEKAST – "Where the Devil Sleeps" Off Nitekast’s latest CD The Beginning and the End, this tune showcases the vocal talents of rising singer Lily Taylor. Lily shows a dramatic flair in her performance here, varying her intensity as she describes the vixen in the song’s lyrics. The song creeps along a repeating progression that slowly builds in intensity, with Lily’s voice keeping it sounding fresh throughout. A strong display from one of the shining new talents on the area music scene, I eagerly look forward to hearing how Lily and her Nitekast bandmates progress in the New Year!
9) SPIRIT LOST – "Misery of a Wounded Heart" For me, this was one of the highlights off Spirit Lost’s full-length CD, The New Beginning. Using a progressive-leaning arrangement, “Misery of a Wounded Heart” elevates into a hard-hitting, introspective study of the pain of loneliness. Singer Austin Tepsic gives a charged and dramatic performance to sell the song’s dark theme, while Brian Smith fires off a fiery midsong guitar solo. Heavy and powerful, “Misery” received plenty of “Rocker” airplay in 2008, and likely will again in 2009!
10) THE EMBALMED – "Heartworm" Already a highlight of The Embalmed’s live show, “Heartworm” quickly became a favorite track from the group’s self-titled CD. The catchy tune evolves along a tough groove, with Jason Straw’s dramatic Tazmanian Devil snarl describing a parasitic relationship, leading to a Type O-flavored chorus. I also like the midsong instrumental passage that leads back to the finishing chorus of the tune. One of the best crafted tunes on their CD; “Heartworm” is a clear-cut home run from The Embalmed, and I plan to give this a lot of “Homegrown Rocker” airplay in 2009!
JP'S 50 FAVORITE PHOTOS OF 2008:
Most of these are photos I took, chosen out of the some 6,057 official photos I took during 2008. (The ones I appear in, I likely didn’t take.) Anyway, after whittling down from an original field of 104 photos, here are the favorite 50 that made the final cut:
1. We’ll begin by showing the physical dexterity of 7th Gear guitarist and singer Brendon Burns, taken during one of the group’s weekly Wednesday night shows at the upstairs 4D’s Lounge in December.
2. Also displaying daredevil tendencies in 2008 was Acalasia guitarist Neil Deyarmin, who scaled his way up to the rafter underneath the sun roof at Altoona’s Club Car Café during an all-ages show on Memorial Day weekend.
3. Testing the elastic properties of Reading-based singer/songwriter Valerie Nicole’s arms during the Millennium Music Conference trade show in February were Yours Truly and Crazy John Kerecz of Old Schoolhouse Radio (www.oshradio.com). We both wanted to interview her. I won the first round. (By the way, kudos to RachelRocks for the pic.) All three of us will be at MMC13 this coming February, so Valerie’s arms could be put to the test again.
4. Stage diving and crowd surfing remained popular activities around local stages in 2008. Here one of the brothers of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity surfs atop his brothers during Moxie’s performance at the DeltaPalooza benefit concert at St. Francis University in September.
5. Crowd-surfing was popular among musicians as well. During a September all-ages show at the Jaggard United Methodist Church, Brendan Walter of Valencia goes for a ride.
6. Arguably no band crowd-surfed in our region more in 2008 than Vs. the Earth. After riding a wave of audience bodies, singer Adam Marino lands in the arms of some of his fans during a May show at Altoona’s 4D’s Lounge.
7. Not to be outdone, guitarist Mike Ritchey of Vs. the Earth goes for a ride atop the crowd at Pellegrine’s during a show in December.
8. Surfing atop Chris Lawson’s upright bass is Ben Dumm of The Marauders, during the group’s performance at The Underground Television’s “Biker Bash” at Roar in the Mountains, at Hollidaysburg’s Legion Park in September.
9. Playing the axe behind his neck is Chris Bishop of Rise Phoenix Rise, during a June show at Pellegrine’s.
10. Mike Harper of Private Property goes ballistic with his guitar during an early January show at Altoona’s Victory Lane Saloon. Maybe it was Mike’s guitar fireworks that rocked the bricks off the building days later and led to its demolition!
11. Caught in the heat of some serious guitar shredding is Jason Chatfield of Demise Awaits, during an Underground Television-presented triple-bill at Aldo’s in early March.
12. It’s a meeting of guitars as Henrik Ostergaard and Eric Brewer go at it during Dirty Looks’ November visit to 30 Something.
13. Even being a harmonicat can be strenuous work, as John “songsmith” Stevens shows during his sit-in performance with Chris V. & the Stanley Street Band on Q94’s “Backyard Rocker” in April.
14. Let’s salute some ladies who graced area stages during 2008; starting with Angel of As Summer Dies, during a show at Aldo’s in February. Angel and As Summer Dies will return to Aldo’s during Valentine’s weekend this coming February.
15. Another lady who made her presence felt on area stages in 2008 was Ruschelle Dillon, here shown fronting Kitty Whip during an August show at 30 Something. Ruschelle also sang with Ribbon Grass’ acoustic incarnation and joined Midnight Graffiti during 2008 as well.
16. Making her arrival on local stages in 2008 was Lily Taylor, here performing with Nitekast during the Toys for Tots benefit show at 30 Something in November.
17. Akron, Ohio’s Valerie Custer paid a visit to the area in early December, playing at Penn State Altoona’s Slep Center as part of her ongoing tour of colleges and universities.
18. Brooklyn’s Witches In Bikinis returned to Pennsylvania in 2008, again showcasing at the Millennium Music Conference in February, and here doing their theatrical show at Harrisburg’s Whitaker Center in August.
19. Flashing a smile at the Rockpage/Pennsylvania Musician photographer during the York Fair in September earned Kate Koch of 61 South her place on my favorite 50 photos of 2008.
20. Making a welcome return to the Altoona area in 2008 was Lzzy Hale of Halestorm, who put on a stunning performance during the JP Rockathon benefit at 30 Something in November.
21. Also during Halestorm’s JP Rockathon performance in November, Lzzy’s brother, Arejay Hale, demonstrating his excellent skills behind the kit.
22. Vs. the Earth or Vs. the Jagermeister? At this point, I was beginning to wonder as Mike Ritchey and Dawg of Vs. the Earth helped me tip (another) one during the JP Rockathon in November. (Thanks again RachelRocks for taking the pic!)
23. Why not? Another gratuitous picture of Yours Truly, this time with Mary Huff of Southern Culture On The Skids, following their performance at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival in July.
24. Also during Southern Culture On The Skids’ performance at the Pittsburgh Blues Festival, guitarist Rick Miller flanked by a lady wearing an empty KFC container, shortly after the contents of that container were tossed out to the crowd during the song “Eight-Piece Box.”
25. Dave Minarek, Jr. of The Clarks, during their performance at Altoona’s Railroaders Museum in September. I’m particularly proud of this photo, as I had to zoom in through an 8-inch space between Dave’s bandmate, Rob James, and a speaker to get this picture!
26. Mick Jones of Foreigner, during that group’s concert at the Railroaders Museum in August.
27. Tony Iommi of Heaven and Hell, during the Metal Masters Tour performance at Post-Gazette Pavilion in Burgettstown in August.
28. Also from the Metal Masters concert, Rob Halford of Judas Priest. I still can’t believe I got to witness that concert from four rows back in the pit section!
29. Doing some zydeco hellraising, Dwayne Dopsie during his performance at Johnstown Folkfest on Labor Day weekend.
30. Although I didn’t get to see Ozzy Osbourne and Ozzfest in 2008, I did get to see a good Ozzy impersonator; Tim “Oz” of Ozzy tribute Rebourne, during their visit to the Anchor Inn near Prince Gallitzin State Park in April.
31. As you can tell by their faces, it’s always a good time when Norman Nardini and Felix Kos of the Hurricanes get together on the same stage! This latest summit of blues-rock guitar fireworks happened in March at Glenn’s Place in Claysburg during Glenn’s Spring Rock and Blues Fest.
32. Colton gets turkemcized! Felix Kos of the Hurricanes gives Colton Fouse a taste of Wild Turkey during a weekly Sunday night shindig at Shaw’s in July.
33. The Front pulls all the stops to deliver a concert-like event for their 25th anniversary show at Altoona’s Bavarian Hall in late November.
34. Scott Mulligan and Frank “Booter” Rodes of Sunset Strip strike a pose during the 18th annual End Of Summer Jam benefit, which happened in late August at Kook’s Korner near Chest Springs.
35. Also striking a pose for the camera was Paul Greiner of This Calling, during the Toys for Tots benefit at Aldo’s in November.
36. And JP’s Favorite 50 photos wouldn’t be complete without at least one Bad Daze Old Skool pose…Kenny Murdick and Rob Carolus of Bad Daze, during a December show at Pellegrine’s.
37. Showing some intensity on the bass is Ryan George of Slacker Theory, during an August show at Pellegrine’s.
38. Also showing some intensity behind the drum kit was Jesse August of Shades Of June, during a December show at the Castle Pub in Ebensburg.
39. Looking like he was just confronted with some excellent cleavage, Bob Lee of Lies, Inc. during a December show at Magoo’s in Cresson.
40. Halloween provided its fair share of photo highlights in 2008. During the Halloween Havoc benefit show at the Bedford Elks in late October, two policewomen move in to apprehend members of Fayted in their orange prison garb. With arresting officers like these, I’m tempted to turn to a life of crime in 2009!
41. Decked out as the ever-popular J.C. during a Halloween show at Jaggard United Methodist Church, Punchline bassist Chris Fafalios had his crown of thorns fall down over his face…maybe it was a message from above.
42. Representing the other end of the spectrum during Halloween weekend was Austin Tepsic of Spirit Lost and guest Tyler Paul during a show at Shaw’s in Juniata. (I could have used redeye reduction on this photo, but I thought the red eyes made both performers look more evil!)
43. Since Halloween happened just before Election Day, candidate Guv’nor Jesse Obama celebrates his television appearance while stumping for last-minute bar crowd votes during Pellegrine’s annual Halloween party.
44. I photographed one marriage proposal during 2008, during the final night of showcases at the Millennium Music Conference in February. Tukurpa bassist Carl “Craig” Hancock pops the question and a ring to his fiance, “Teco,” at Johnny Joe’s in Mechanicsburg. She accepted.
45. Jason Feathers, Steve Oswalt and Ron Dalansky have fun jamming together during the latter stages of the Jeff Wallack Tribute Show at Aldo’s in early April.
46. I dig those drums! Jacob of Mysterytrain lays on the percussion during an early December show at 30 Something.
47. Scotty B of the Giants Of Science handles two keyboards at once during a pre-Christmas show at the 4D’s Lounge.
48. I didn’t forget to celebrate family tradition in my favorite photos…Son and father, Tony Janflone Jr. and Sr., jam together during the “That’s What Friends Are For Benefit” for Tony Jr. in March at the Rhythm House Café in Bridgeville.
49. And grandson and grandfather perform together in this photo…Wayne MacEwan of Tree and grandson Ben perform on washboards during Prince Gallitzin State Park’s annual Apple Cider Festival in early October.
50. Last but certainly not least, a photo of the guy who runs this website, Rockpage Ron, showing a maniacal grin as he runs sound during the Rockpage Jam benefit at 30 Something in March.
JP's 2008 RECAP HAIKU:
0-8 is over
Economy, smoking ban
Hope things get better!
